(def.) A business environment defined by (1) an expectation of total informational transparency and accessibility and (2) a requirement for flawless logistics and operations. Named for Google and Wal-Mart. (c)Josefowicz Associates, LLC

As a way to help purchasing further consolidate its supply base, Staples now offers its contract customers digital copy and print services.

Through Staples Digital Copy Services, office buyers at mid-sized to large businesses can get high-quality on-demand copy and print services with quick turn-around and delivery, says Lisa Hamblet, vice president of business-to-business services for Staples in Framingham, Mass.

Staples has opened two new digital production centers equipped with digital technology. One in Edison, N.J., serves customers in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., while the other in City of Industry, Calif., serves customers on the West Coast.

Staples started offering Digital Copy Services to contract customers in December, 2004, when it opened its first pilot center in Sharon, Mass. The center provides customers with marketing collateral and brochures, training manuals, employee handbooks, college course guides, full-color presentations, signage and postcards. In the 18 months it's been open, the center has experienced double-digit sales growth which the company expects to continue over the next five years.